Turmeric

Curcuma longa

Part used: Rhizome
Botanical family: Zingiberaceae

Ginger's cousin, turmeric has gilded Indian cooking for millennia. The curcumin in its rhizome is one of the most researched natural anti-inflammatories, especially for joint comfort. Its weak point is poor absorption — which is why it's always taken with black pepper and a little fat, just as curry has always done.

Traditional uses

Joint comfort
Digestive and liver support
Golden milk and seasonal recipes

Traditionally used for

jointsinflammationosteoarthritisdigestionliver

How to prepare it

As powder with black pepper and fat (golden milk), or standardised extract for joint use.

Precautions

At high doses, avoid with blood thinners or gallstones without professional advice.

Pairs well with: Ginger

Ask us about this plant

Other plants with similar uses

Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis

This information reflects traditional uses of plants for general guidance and does not replace advice from a health professional. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask before using them.